We’ve recently been getting asked about unrecognized fraudulent charges on Medicare accounts.
We have heard various clients are receiving COVID-19 tests they didn’t order and various medical equipment for which their Medicare accounts are being charged.
A client recently reached out to tell us:
“My recent Medicare report included $1,397 of fraudulent charges paid by Medicare. I received 16 COVID-19 test kits that I did not order. In addition, a Medical Home Care company in Connecticut billed Medicare on my Medicare card for $1,881 of medical equipment I did not request. I contacted Medicare to report the fraud and requested a new Medicare card. Recently a fraudulent robo-marketing person called me to say he was from Medicare. I said Medicare never calls. He said I have your Medicare number and read it over the phone. I hung up.”
This client did exactly what he was supposed to do.
We recommend you follow the below steps to protect your Medicare account:
- Check your Medicare quarterly reports. Be sure that the charges made to your account are for services you had claims for.
- If you see fraudulent charges, call Medicare directly. The Medicare number is (800) 633-4227. You will likely need to request a new Medicare card.
- Do not give anyone you do not know or trust your Medicare information over the phone. Medicare does not call.
Unfortunately, Medicare fraud occurs frequently, and the above steps are the best way to stay diligent in protecting your sensitive Medicare information.
Here are some additional resources regarding this recent fraud:
NPR: Seniors got COVID tests they didn’t order in Medicare scam…
FTC: Free COVID test scam targets people on Medicare…
HHS: Fraud Alert: COVID-19 Scams
